Where to begin... Well, our 5 star treatment began before the first bag was packed or we had even left home. Scott Dinsmore, El Castillo’s GM, was so much more than accommodating. Even prior to booking our reservation I emailed El Castillo to find out about availability for our dates, logistics for travel, local places, and many other things (yes, I am somewhat a control freak in my everyday life-haha). I didn’t have high expectations on receiving a quick response, if any at all. To my amazement Scott replied within minutes. He was responsive, attentive, understanding and kind- far beyond simple professional courtesy. Little did we know how this would not only be the tone, but the theme to our experience with the staff and everyone else at El Castillo! Scott even offered to upgrade us for a nominal fee to an ocean view suite for our anniversary. We also received a personal portal with PIN to review our reservations, make additional special requests prior to arrival and various other options, making it so easy to plan and prepare for all the things we might need or want while we were there. We had no idea at the time how much better it would get once there! Having been the first trip my husband and I have taken since becoming parents to our 2 young children, we were apprehensive and feeling a bit guilty- the picture of classic parental guilt...Where to begin...

Well, our 5 star treatment began before the first bag was packed or we had even left home. Scott Dinsmore, El Castillo’s GM, was so much more than accommodating. Even prior to booking our reservation I emailed El Castillo to find out about availability for our dates, logistics for travel, local places, and many other things (yes, I am somewhat a control freak in my everyday life-haha). I didn’t have high expectations on receiving a quick response, if any at all. To my amazement Scott replied within minutes. He was responsive, attentive, understanding and kind- far beyond simple professional courtesy. Little did we know how this would not only be the tone, but the theme to our experience with the staff and everyone else at El Castillo! Scott even offered to upgrade us for a nominal fee to an ocean view suite for our anniversary. We also received a personal portal with PIN to review our reservations, make additional special requests prior to arrival and various other options, making it so easy to plan and prepare for all the things we might need or want while we were there. We had no idea at the time how much better it would get once there!

Having been the first trip my husband and I have taken since becoming parents to our 2 young children, we were apprehensive and feeling a bit guilty- the picture of classic parental guilt for trying to have an adult life as well ! So, the day had come and we were off on our very own Costa Rican adventure.

The drive from SJO airport was beautiful, even through the rain. Winding roads,picturesque views of both the mountains and ocean, bustling, small towns, and lots of getting passed by locals (yeah, yeah- typical tourist drivers- LOL) was the experience of initial immersion into CR culture.

FINALLY, we arrived at the beautiful, boutique hotel, El Castillo. As we pulled up to the door we didn’t even make it out of the car before being greeted by Geraon, El Castillo’s FOH Manager. He kindly escorted us to the verandah and brought us welcome cocktails (delicious btw). He parked our rental car, unpacked and delivered our luggage to our rooms. We were awestruck by the sheer beauty of the view of the South Pacific, Cano Island and the hotel’s small owned island- breathtaking!

This is when the true 5 star, unforgettable experience began. Over the next 5 days we relaxed, let loose, laughed and really got to know the very special staff that make El Castillo an absolute MUST! The saying for the staff is, “while staying at El Castillo, is is your home”. It is definitely true- there is nothing you would like or might want to do that they will not tirelessly work to provide you!!! Gerson even contacted our rental car vendor to have them deliver us a better 4x4 vehicle to the hotel- from San Jose!

Sure, the ambiance and decor is simplistically and perfectly elegant. The views are exquisitely picturesque and the food exceptional. BUT, make no mistake about it, the STAFF is what sets this place so far above all the rest!

Soooo, I would be remiss if I did not give a special THANK YOU to Gerson, Scott, Carlos (Charlie), Sharon, Keilor, Kesler, Jean Carlos, Marlene, Ruth and, of course, Chef Pablo for turning an apprehensive exploration of Costa Rica into the BEST vacation we have ever had! We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of them- they have become more than staff at a place we stayed, or even friends- they have become nuestra familia!!!More